The LA Chargers have shown no hesitation to trade under general manager Joe Hortiz. Los Angeles traded for both Taylor Heinicke and Elijah Molden prior to the 2024 season and proved that is a trade makes sense, the Bolts will make it.
One such trade opportunity may have just emerged for the Chargers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have had trade talks for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. According to Schefter, Smith expressed interest in reworking his $4.8 million deal, prompting Miami to explore trade talks.
While this report is not Chargers-specific, now that Hortiz knows Smith is on the market he absolutely should give the Dolphins a call and see what the asking price is.
Jonnu Smith is a smart trade target for the Chargers
Of course, trading for Smith only makes sense if the price is right. There is no reason for the Chargers to even consider a trade if the Dolphins have an outlandish asking price for Smith. After all, the Chargers can survive without adding another tight end.
Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin and Oronde Gadsden II are the top three tight ends on the depth chart heading into the 2025 season. That can absolutely be improved upon, but the Bolts can at least make it work if they don't add another tight end before the season starts.
Smith would add an obvious pass-catching boost to the Chargers' room that would change the entire dynamic. The veteran tight end is coming off the best year of his career where he caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. His numbers probably wouldn't be as high with the Chargers considering the role he would play, but his impact would be felt.
Smith has a much higher pass-catching ceiling than what the team currently has. Dissly is a blocking tight end, Conklin has a lower ceiling and Gadsden is totally unproven. I get that Chargers fans are excited about the athletic tight end, but fans need to temper their expectations for a fifth-round rookie tight end.
The veteran tight end may not be Dissly when it comes to his blocking, but there is still some upside there. While he has never been a great run blocker, Smith has proven to be a reliable pass blocker who can create a new wrinkle on offense, especially in play action.
Best of all, the Chargers could trade a day-three pick for Smith without needing to cut any prominent member of the tight end room. Los Angeles can carry four tight ends on the 53-man roster, chopping Tucker Fisk (who is the projected TE4) off the roster.
Smith is a far better tight end to have on the roster than Fisk. That isn't even negotiable.
From a pure football standpoint, Smith would be an excellent addition for the Chargers. He very well could be the next Charger if his trade value and contract requests are reasonable.